10 Useful Bouldering Tips to Improve Your Skills
Do you love bouldering but want to be better at it? Chances are you’re looking for some ways to up your game.
You may become overwhelmed when wondering how to build your bouldering techniques, but there’s no need for that! From bouldering basics to more advanced moves, improving your skills isn’t hard.
Read on for ten bouldering tips that will help you improve, no matter your experience level:
1. Warm Up First
Before getting started, make sure you warm up first. You want your muscles to be as limber as possible.
Don’t be in a rush! Take the time you need to raise your heart rate and stretch. When you’re ready to begin, start small, then make your way to more difficult climbing.
2. Look Ahead
Don’t just reach out at random. As you climb, pay attention to your surroundings.
What is available to grab on to? What move makes the most sense and would require the least amount of energy?
Consider how things feel once you make a move and learn from your decisions.
3. Focus on Your Weaknesses
If there are certain things you are worse at than others, focus on those first. Don’t totally neglect the things you’re good at, but put more effort into those skills you want to learn better.
4. Keep Balance in Mind
As you climb, focus on your balance. Pay close attention to your center of gravity and do all you can to be as balanced as possible. Don’t just fling yourself around.
5. Remember to Rest
Bouldering isn’t all about getting to your destination as quickly aspossible. Racing through it may wear you out too quickly and make your moves suffer. Instead, focus on resting.
6. Don’t Get Lazy
If you’re looking to improve your bouldering skills, make every session count. Put your best effort forth every time.
Having a casual or lazy approach to your climb will only get you accustomed to being in that mode. Instead, plan to do every move well, every time.
7. Learn from Others
Watching other climbers is a great way to build your skill. While you aren’t physically doing the work, you’ll learn by paying attention to how the top climbers move and what decisions they make.
Take note of what you see, especially if something surprises you. You won’t be able to apply what you know if you don’t remember it later!
8. Ask for Help
Watching others is helpful, but in-person coaching is even better. Find a better boulder and ask them to teach you. If you want, grab a buddy to do it with you to cut on costs and add to the fun while you learn.
9. Add Variety
If you really want to build your skills, you can’t do the same climb every session. If you usually work on a simple, straight wall, challenge yourself by going for a wall with areas that jut out.
Look for different wall setups, as well as different types of holds. Learning to climb in a variety of situations will build your overall ability.
10. Believe in Yourself
And lastly, believe that you can do what you’ve set out to do. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, show up to your climb understanding you’re going to do great. Even if you don’t end up putting forth your best, that’s okay.
Confidently approach the wall and each move you take, then learn from each experience. And don’t forget to have fun! Bring some quirky gear along as a fun conversation starter.
Use These Bouldering Tips
Now that you’ve learned some bouldering tips get out and try them. Just knowing them won’t do you any good!
Hit that wall with determination, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Always make sure you’re climbing safely.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to a better climb.
Do you have a tip that should’ve been included in this list? Head over to our contact page and let us know!